Many investigators well documented that the bio-control agent Trichoderma spp. has the potential to induce growth response in treated plants due to stimulation to release nutrients in soil, which enhance the plant growth.
I think biocontrol agent Trichoderma spp. may also stimulate soil fertility because of their ability to accelerate composting process.
Trichoderma spp. acts as a biocontrol agent against fungal disease infection to the plant roots. It is also used in the composting of agricultural wastes thereby converting wastes into fertilizers thus, enhances soil fertility.
I am attaching one article on "Use of Trichoderma in Disease Management" here for reference.
It is hard to visualize that Trichoderma spp. would release nutrients into the soil. Yes! we have seen Trichoderma spp. enhancing the growth of plants which is believed to resemble the effects of Gibrellins. How Trichoderma actually delivers the stuff, I don't know. But producing something in the absence of plants/suitable host ? it will be something hard to visualize. Moreover, these growth promoters are not in the soil for the next crop.
I have a PhD student presently working on the effects of composting plant materials with trichoderma spp. on compost properties and the effects on soil nutrients and maize (Zea mays L.) performance.
Yes, I used it as plant growth stimulator and monitored significant outcome in yield and biomass of treated plants.
We got evidences that can increase, Fe nutrition, other micronutrientes, and phosphorus. You can see articles in my profile
I have worked with native strains of T asperellum and T koningiopsis, for the metabolic pathways involved in the synthesis of IAA from tryptophan. The two species used the route of TRM and Indole Piruvic acid and indole. Are absent the IAN and Indole 3 acetamid routes. This was done by HPLC detection and for genes involved in the synthesis of these metabolites. Finally, the two species are able to use a TRP-Independent, the kynurenine route, which turns into anthranilic acid, indole 3 glycerol phosphate and finally to the IAA. This last observations (kynurenine) are only detected by HPLC. When the spores of T asperellum and T koningiopsis are mixed with corn seeds the compounds liberated by corn are modified by these fungus presents.
In field yields are higher when seeds (sorghum, maize, cotton, canola, soy) are treated with spores of the fungi mentioned.
Tasperellum and T koninigopsis can also solubilize phosphorus (Pirovskaya médium).
I think that T can promote rich soil and bio fertilizer stimulation .
Being a microbe , Trichoderma secretes lots of secondary metabolites during growth and these metabolites are nothing but the precursors of plant hormones which accelerates plant growth . Besides disease suppression scientist started claiming the plant growth promoting properties of Trichoderma also.....like biofertilizer ...
Trichoderma not only reduces the load of fertilizers in crop production but also minimises the pollution by use of excessive fertilizers..It helps in improvement of growth, nutrition and overall quality of fruits and vegetables if fortified with compost.
Trichoderma mainly known for bio-control. there are some reports showing the cosortium of Trichoderma with number of PGPRs. I think Cosortium is better way to use Trichoderma in field for bio-control as well as biofertilizer.
Not to worry, Trichoderma can be used as biofert and also biocontrol agent. We had tried some of the Trichoderma in the field and see some promising results. Just remember, if it don't work for me or you it doesn't means that it would not work for you. When you release them into the environment you need to remember one thing, is the environment that you are releasing them into are their primary natural habitat?
yes sure, Trichoderma strains are well documented organism not only as a biocontrol agent to control plant diseases but also as a plant growth promoter. It can be applied to soil as drenching liquid culture, as seed treatment, by root dipping method or with organic carriers like compost or some other materials.
We applied in greenhouse tests Trichoderma in tomato seedlings,
and we found significant differences in the growth of plants with control plants, so we assume Trichoderma is also growth promoter
My opinion about Trichoderma through my research was used generally as biocontrol agent of pathogenic micrrorganismis but it not documented application in soil fertility.
we have observed Trichoderma in compost samples. Most microbes are multi functional and as properly expressed by others earlier, it does support both...
Yes we can. Trichoderma harzianum is good solubilizer of phosphorus. T. harzianum was also reported to solubilize MnO2, metallic zinc, and rock phosphate (mostly calcium phosphate) in a liquid sucrose-yeast extract medium. Trichoderma produced chelating metabolites and used redox activity for solubilizing the minerals.
The fungal genus Trichoderma, a free living fungi and highly interactive in root, soil and foliar environments plays a major role in controlling the plant diseases. it is widely used as biocontrol agent against phytopathogenic fungi, and as a biofertilizer because of its ability to establish mycorriza-like association with plants. Recent discoveries show that Trichoderma spp. produce or release a variety of compounds that induce localized or systemic resistance responses, and this explains their lack of pathogenicity to plants. Root colonization by Trichoderma spp. also frequently enhances root growth and development, crop productivity, resistance to abiotic stresses and the uptake and use of nutrients. Hence, the answer id "Yes'. The attached paper may provide you further insight on this aspect.
The fungal genus Trichoderma produced chelating metabolites and used redox activity for solubilizing the minerals.
Yes, such fungi are reported to perform both ecological functions. Particularly, such fungal species promote/enhance special group(s) of bacteria around their mycelial net in natural environment and as a consortium perform better for the ecological attributes you are asking for.
Demonstrates excellent attributes of biocontrol of diseases induced by stimulating mechanisms and systemic defense on the ground, and exerting positive effects on the plantations where biofertilization increases crop yields (Roberts et al, 2005;. Verman et al, 2007.) . This is attributed to the promotion of vegetative growth promoting isolates of Trichoderma spp., When establishing a close mutual-symbiont relationship.
The agroecological biofertilzantes endophytic functionality is an efficient strategy of the fungus.
Thank you all for your contributions! You have said it all.
Trichoderma spp is an excellent biocontrol agent and a decomposer; Mineralizing and releasing nutrients into the soil which enhances or promotes plant growth.
According to my research work, yes the PGPR Trichoderma spp. can be used as potential biocontrol agent for many plants. This kind of microorganisms has the ability to produce many kinds of biofungicidal agent to protect plants against phytopathogens.
you have to see what property or characteristic of Trichoderma would make it biofertilizer. wheter it is N fixer, P solubilizer or assists in micronutrient availability
you should understand the concept of biofertilizer not that it is fungi so you can use,
You can use Trichoderma spp. as biocontrol agent. Our research has experienced to use Trichoderma spp. as biocontrol agent. Better do an antagonistic experiment between Trichoderma spp. to isolate the promising sp.
Just a higlight of the mode of the mode of action of Trichoderma. We have used it with much success in Kenya in a number of crops higlighted below,
Trichotech-(Dudutech-Kenya) Product contains spores of Trichoderma asperellum an antagonistic fungus that is used globally for control of soil borne fungal diseases including Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Sclerotinia spp., and Pythium spp. In addition, this strain is known to have the ability to increase plant growth vigour. It used a seed coating, seed pieces, transplant on a number of crops including corn (field, sweet, silage), soybeans, potatoes, tomatoes, beans (green and dry), cabbage, cucumbers, cotton, peanuts, turf, trees, shrubs, and other transplants and ornamental crops.
Mode of Action
Competition: Trichoderma grows fast and establishes around the root zone and thus promotes niche exclusion of potential harmful microbes providing a barrier to combat disease-causing fungi. The fungus has a saprophytic activity. It produces gas, which inhibits stages of the development of phytopathogenic fungi.
Growth promotion: Trichoderma has the property of stimulating plant growth. The fungus establishes around the roots, aiding nutritional up-take and benefits plant growth and vigour. Itinteracts with the Rhizosphere, near the root hairs and increases the available form of nutrients needed by plantsThis maintenance of the root system allows for a larger root biomass to develop.
Antibiosis: Trichoderma is known to produce antibiotic metabolites when grown in liquid culture. Inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi through antibiosis has been demonstrated.
Mycoparasitism: Trichoderma posses’ β I-3 glucanases, chitinases and sometimes proteinases that enable them to parasitize the hyphae and sclerotia of the pathogen, invading the cells and causing lysis.
You may wish to consult the US EPA biopesticide website http://iaspub.epa.gov/apex/pesticides/f?p=CHEMICALSEARCH:1:0 . Some strains are registered as biopesticides in the US. Basically, trichodema acts as a fungicide and helps the plant to ward off fungal root diseases. Some strains will cause conductive defects in humans including congestive heart failure, neurological dystrophies, and other cardo-pulmonary diseases. I have never heard of trichoderma used as a fertility or nutrient uptake stimulant...but that doesn't mean that it isn't. Some US companies were considering it as a biofungicide for root diseases but many have backed off due to liability risks associated with some strains. I guess the take home is use with caution.
Biofertilization and biocontrol mechanisms are established Trichoderma in agroecosystems to combat insect pests and diseases of biotic and abiotic origin
The best product for improvement of soil fertility..is RHIZATECH which contains spores, colonized root fragments, and other propagules of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in a granular carrier. Mycorrhizal fungi are beneficial organisms that occur in association with plant roots in nature and enhance plant growth and vigour .
Mode of Action
The mycorrhizal fungi in RHIZATECH form a network of fungal hyphae around the feeder roots of the plants. Mycelial threads penetrate inward into the root cortex and across the soil around the roots thereby increasing the surface area for absorption and translocation of essential plant nutrients including Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Sulphur, Calcium, Zinc and copper. Although the improvement of plant nutrition, compensation for pathogen damage, and competition for photosynthates or colonization/infection sites.
I agree with Ms Otieno that AMF increase plant nutrient uptake. However, good healthy soil often has sufficient levels of spores to infect roots and AMF amendments often do not lead to yield increases. However, I am speaking from experience with soils in the Northern Great Plains of the US where we have productive soils. These products may be effective in soils that are lacking. I suspect that animal manure would be much more effective compared to a manufactured product. Largely this is speculation based on experience but there is good solid research indicating that a soils micro-fauna is often difficult to change. Soil microbiologist all agree that science is only able to identify 2-3% of the total soil microbial population....what else is living there?
I gree with Retsma that animal manures gives sustainable results. But may I point out that we have used a product combining both AMF and Trichoderma with a lot of success in Kenya. In Wheat (both large scale and organic ) farms were the results showed potential of increasing by up to 30 percent kernel weight yield with the use of these beneficials as a seed coating formulation above the conventional treatment. This yield increase was attributed in part to the reduction of Fusarium, Pythium as well as increased nutrient uptake.
We also use both products in Flowers (Roses, Lilies,Gerbera, Gypsophila etc.)
Vegetable and grains(Corn, sorghum,peper, peas, runner beans..we also worked with Tea, sugarcane..in most areas reduction of use of N,P,k replacing with these the use of AMF didn't affect the stem qualities of the flowers. So the use of these beneficials can translate into yield increase.
These are some of the functions of AMF
Mycorrhiza’ is the symbiotic association of the mycelium of a fungus with the roots of plants to form ‘fungus roots’.
Majority (over 90%) but not all vascular plants have mycorrhizae.
The fungus assists in the absorption of minerals and water from the soil and defends the roots from other fungi and nematodes.
Increases tolerance of environmental stress e.g. drought, salinity and heavy metal concentrations
Provides soil stabilization as a result of aggregation of soil particles
The plant provides carbohydrates to the fungus.
Two kinds of mycorrhizae exist:
endomycorrhizae, in which the fungal hyphae enter the cells of the root cortex,
ectomycorrhizae, in which fungal hyphae surround the cells.
I would believe that you realize a response from AMF products in poor soils. There was a similar product on the market here in South Dakota a few years back. Rather costly and did not produce any measureable grain yield increases. However, as I said, likely there was already sufficient amounts of AMF in the soil. I wouldn't expect a response.
Trichoderma sp including endemic in Australian soils, selected for cellulose digesting function are utilised as central part of 'reinnoculating' crop residues in Southern Australia. Used to repopulate residue & soils considered to be challenged for adequate populations of what can be found in preserved/pristine soil health environment. Trial work demonstrates significant yield increase in subsequent crop in rotation. Also observation of subsequent improvement in physical soil structure including microaggregation.. Key contribution appears to be related to increased nutrient availabilty of nitrogen and disese suppression. It isImportant to understand that these are observations/outcomes and not claimed specific science study. Clearly however These Trichoderma sp adopted within other Biological Farming Systems context can play a vital role in soil remediation and agriculture enterprise profitability. In this context Tr. Sp. as innoculum are demonstrated to be a key component of program to build/rebuild Soil Organic Carbon.
Yes ! ....Twenty percent of these Trichoderma strains were able to produce soluble forms of phosphate from phosphoric rock. Only 8% of the assessed strains showed consistent ability to produce siderophores to convert ferric iron to soluble forms by chelation. Sixty percent of isolates produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or auxin analogue. More informatiom: Growth stimulation in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) by Trichoderma- Liliana Hoyos-Carvajala, , , Sergio Orduzb, John Bissettc
Trichoderma asperellum T34 can effectively increase Fe uptake by plants in Fe deficient media. You can se my profile for additional information
Yes, the mycoparasite ability of Trichoderma species against some economically important plant pathogens allows for the development of biocontrol strategies. Trichoderma species have demonstrated antifungal as well as plant-growth-stimulating activities. However, the success of biocontrol and plant-growth-stimulating depends on the nature antagonistic characters and the mechanisms of action of the microorganism.
Trichoderma asperellum an antagonistic fungus that is used globally for control of soil borne fungal diseases including Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Sclerotinia spp., and Pythium spp. In addition, this strain is known to have the ability to increase plant growth vigour. We used it in combination with combination with AMF in wheat farms in Kenya. Some positive contribution included:
>Improvement in soil biology, as a result of increased soil flora and fauna induced by the application of beneficial microbes.
>overall increase of 22 - 30% in kernel weight and a 0.2 – 5.2 percent increase in grain yield
The results as indicated by an earlier contributor is more pronounced in poor soils and its also plant dependent since they are limited in the scope of plants they protect and the pathogens they control. Other soil conditions like pH also affects their performance since some of enzymes work best in acidic soil conditions while most soils we worked with were within alkaline range. The following is a summary of its modes of actions.
Mode of Action
Competition: Trichoderma grows fast and establishes around the root zone and thus promotes niche exclusion of potential harmful microbes providing a barrier to combat disease-causing fungi. The fungus has a saprophytic activity. It produces gas, which inhibits stages of the development of phytopathogenic fungi.
Growth promotion: Trichoderma has the property of stimulating plant growth. The fungus establishes around the roots, aiding nutritional up-take and benefits plant growth and vigour.
Antibiosis: Trichoderma is known to produce antibiotic metabolites when grown in liquid culture. Inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi through antibiosis has been demonstrated.
Mycoparasitism: Trichoderma posses’ β I-3 glucanases, chitinases and sometimes proteinases that enable them to parasitize the hyphae and sclerotia of the pathogen, invading the cells and causing lysis.
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